Former Waunakee Tribune publisher and Waunakee village official Richard “Rich” Murphy died Nov. 9, 2024 at the age of 93.
He married the love of his life Donna Marie (Lyneis) on September 15, 1951, in Madison, WI. Rich graduated from Madison West High School in Wisconsin in 1949, and then served in the U.S. Army as a Corporal from 1951 to 1953 stationed in Germany and Texas.
In 1950, Rich began serving his six-year printing apprenticeship for Madison Newspapers, and upon completion in 1956, he became a journeyman printer, working at Madison Newspapers until 1965. In 1968, Rich and Donna purchased the Waunakee Tribune, publishing a weekly newspaper and shopper along with operating a print shop, until they sold it in 1981. He was a phenomenal writer and publisher, often adding his witty humor into his work. He would write stories about his parents, his family, his siblings, and experiences shared with his loving wife Donna.
After the sale of The Tribune in 1981, Rich managed a couple of print shops in Middleton and Madison, but being the entrepreneur that he was, he started R.J.’s Printing in 1987 and worked there until he retired in 1998. Alongside his printing businesses, Rich also served on the Waunakee Village Board from 1994 to 2003, and served as Village President from 2001-03, in addition to being a member of the Waunakee Rotary, American Legion, and St. John’s Catholic Church.
He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Donna Murphy; children Linda (Howie) Schwab, Mike (Carol) Murphy, Dan (Karen) Murphy, Steve (Nedi Graf) Murphy, PJ (Michele) Murphy; sisters, Marian Dean, Barbara Hayes, Joan Ace, Patricia Statz; 15 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Blanche Murphy; his brother Raymond Murphy; and great-granddaughter Grace Marie Schwab- Ziegler.
In lieu of a visitation, the family invites you to a memorial service and military salute which will be held on Wednesday November 20, 2024, at 11 a.m., at St John’s Catholic Church, 209 South St., Waunakee. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. Immediately following the burial, all are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Rich’s life at Rex’s Innkeeper, 301 N Century Ave, Waunakee.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established by the family at a later date.
Please share memories of Rich by posting in the guestbook at www.cressfuneralservice.com
